Reverse logistics
Under the name Reverse Logistics ( English Reverse Logistics ), or in German reverse logistics , reverse logistics , reverse logistics , all logistical considered processes in which goods from the (end) customers and go out again in the supply chain running back. The translation of the English term is understood differently and different schools of thought compete with each other.
definition
The Council of Logistics Management defines reverse logistics as “the process of planning, implementing and controlling an efficient material flow of raw materials, intermediate and end products and the related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for recycling or disposal. More precisely, reverse logistics is the process of recycling or disposing of goods at the end of their conventional life. Refabrication and repair can be included in the definition of reverse logistics. "
English original:
"[...] the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing value or proper disposal. More precisely, reverse logistics is the process of moving goods from their typical final destination for the purpose of capturing value, or proper disposal. Remanufacturing and refurbishing activities also may be included in the definition of reverse logistics. "
This definition is often quoted and should therefore be used here.
Reverse logistics areas
The classic three areas of logistics, procurement logistics , production logistics and distribution logistics, are geared towards supplying the customer ( downstream ). Reverse logistics supplements the processes with the return of the products or materials towards the source ( upstream ). The quasi-standard SCOR model for the description of comprehensive business processes takes this into account (source-make-deliver-return). If the cycle is closed, one speaks of closed-loop supply chains.
To delimit the terms, in particular for disposal logistics, reference is made to Mühltaler's dissertation, Chapter 2.2.4. The delimitation of different areas of reverse logistics is usually not disjointed.
Disposal logistics
Disposal logistics deals with consumer residues that are recycled or properly disposed of at the end of their useful life, production residues, rejects or copel products, as well as product packaging that is not reused.
Returns logistics
Returns logistics deals with
- Returns to cancel a previous sales contract
- Complaints e.g. B. due to poor quality or product recalls
- In both cases, special processes for handling returns must be implemented.
Repair logistics
Repairs cause logistical processes. A distinction must be made whether the repair is carried out "on site" or as a "bring in". In both cases, processes must be started for the device to be repaired in order to identify the object, assign it to a customer and determine the defect with follow-up actions: repair with, if necessary, procurement of spare parts ( spare parts logistics ) and repair, replacement delivery, recycling, scrapping, etc.
The term warranty logistics, which is often used, deals with returns caused by warranty claims, provided the goods are sent back. This is the rule for end customers. Warranty cases also cause logistical processes. From a logistical point of view, however, both are only a question of the cost bearer.
Container and reusable container logistics
This part deals with reusable transport packaging such as pallets , lattice boxes , small load carriers and reusable containers such as bottles, kegs, and gas bottles. There are different procedures to set agreed rules for handling containers and other reusable systems.
Exchange procedure
In the exchange procedure, full and empties are moved between the contractual partners without any further billing for the containers. Possible designs are
- Direct exchange: The recipient of full goods is obliged to return the same number of containers to the sender immediately.
- Train-by-train exchange: With this concept, the full package is sent directly to the recipient. A service provider is active for the return transport of the empties. This service provider has a warehouse with which he supplies the sender with empties and picks up empties from the recipient. The collection of the empties takes place directly upon arrival of the new full container.
- Subsequent exchange: This concept is like the step-by-step exchange, only that the empties are not picked up directly when the new full container arrives.
- Balance adjustment: Each participant in the reusable system has an account. All inflows and outflows are recorded on this. The participants do not only exchange with direct partners, but also with other participants.
Billing procedure
There are purchase / repurchase systems, rental systems, deposit systems, circulation fee systems.
Individual evidence
- ^ Karen Hawks: What is Reverse Logistics? In: Reverse Logistics Magazine , Winter / Spring 2006.
- ↑ Sven Mühlthaler: Strategic location planning in reverse logistics networks - An empirical and model-based analysis - presented for refurbishing fittings. (PDF) Dissertation, University of Kassel, 2008.
- ^ Gianfranco Walsh, Michael Möhring: Returns Management Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon, Springer